Just an observation on the AutoTrickler and FX 120i. Over the last several months I have had trouble with it “drifting”. I realize with these scales that it is not the correct term, but it drifts. I run an Area 419 platen and powder cup and today I stood and watched it gain two tenths of a grain in a minute. Frustrated I got out the OEM platen and OEM AutoTrickler cup and the problem went away immediately. Anyway, just an FYI in case someone has a similar issue. Keep in mind also that my FX is grounded, line filtered, and on an anti static mat.
FX 120i drifting
- Thread starter chuck nelson
- Start date
Re zeroing does not work. It just goes right back to drifting. Yesterday I was re zeroing after every single charge.
I can tell it’s moving because of the weight of the cup. Adam also recommends not to use after market parts.
I can tell it’s moving because of the weight of the cup. Adam also recommends not to use after market parts.
Try this. Take the weighing pan off and then take the next platform off. Check to see if kennels of powder are under the platforms. I had the same issue until cleaned the scale up under these. Then the scale when back to normal without any drifting.
To my knowledge there are 3 types of scales, the least expensive is a load cell. The most common in better scales is called magnetic force reconstruction and the third type uses a tuning fork system
Load cells are prone to overloading and are known for poor accuracy.
The FX 120i is magnetic force reconstruction which is generally quite good but it is vulnerable to a variety of influences such as voltage fluctuation and even interference from radio waves such as a telephone.
To get best results from a magnetic force reconstruction balance you need to use some sort of voltage stabilizer, like you might use for a computer and keep it away from phones.
Any scale can drift in response to changes in barometric pressure like what might happen when the air conditioner or furnace come on as well as a dryer or even gas water heater.
The best scale I know of is made by Vibra and I have one as well as a few of my friends, but it does not connect to any sort of auto trickler that I know of. The Vibra is a tuning fork balance and is not affected by voltage changes, it also does not need to warm up like other types.
The more sensitive the scale, the more it will be affected by air pressure, so its best to close windows and turn off major appliances when in use.
I would suggest that you make some sort of validation weight that is close to the pan weight plus your target load. Consider a length of clothes hanger wire. Cut it to a length that equals the pan weight plus the powder charge weight. Use that to confirm the scale has not deviated from this known base line value.
Load cells are prone to overloading and are known for poor accuracy.
The FX 120i is magnetic force reconstruction which is generally quite good but it is vulnerable to a variety of influences such as voltage fluctuation and even interference from radio waves such as a telephone.
To get best results from a magnetic force reconstruction balance you need to use some sort of voltage stabilizer, like you might use for a computer and keep it away from phones.
Any scale can drift in response to changes in barometric pressure like what might happen when the air conditioner or furnace come on as well as a dryer or even gas water heater.
The best scale I know of is made by Vibra and I have one as well as a few of my friends, but it does not connect to any sort of auto trickler that I know of. The Vibra is a tuning fork balance and is not affected by voltage changes, it also does not need to warm up like other types.
The more sensitive the scale, the more it will be affected by air pressure, so its best to close windows and turn off major appliances when in use.
I would suggest that you make some sort of validation weight that is close to the pan weight plus your target load. Consider a length of clothes hanger wire. Cut it to a length that equals the pan weight plus the powder charge weight. Use that to confirm the scale has not deviated from this known base line value.
He is already using a line filter.
If the problem only occurs with the Area419 plate, then obviously that is the issue and not the power supply.
This is good to know, as I have a 120i and autotrickler on the way. OP, what filter are you using?
I know exactly what my pan weighs. That’s why I know the bloody thing is drifting. And drifting after every charge. I’m not particularly fond of having to re zero a $700 scale after every charge either. What I do know is that the factory plate will fit the scale at any quarterly position. The 419 pan does not. Which tells me that there is something amiss. But who knows.
